How to remove the TechTalent adware from your Mac
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What kind of application is TechTalent?
Our research team found the TechTalent application during a routine inspection of new submissions to VirusTotal. After examining this piece of software, we determined that it is adware. TechTalent is part of the AdLoad malware family.
TechTalent adware overview
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to run intrusive advert campaigns, i.e., display ads on various interfaces.
These advertisements (e.g., pop-ups, coupons, surveys, banners, etc.) mainly promote online scams, untrustworthy/harmful software, and even malware. Some intrusive adverts are capable of performing stealthy downloads/installations upon being clicked.
Note that any genuine products/services encountered through these ads – are most likely endorsed by scammers who abuse their affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.
Specific conditions may be necessary for adware to deliver intrusive advertisement campaigns, such as compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to particular websites, or similar. Regardless of whether TechTalent displays adverts – its presence on a system remains a danger.
AdLoad applications often have browser-hijacking abilities; however, TechTalent did not exhibit functionalities of this kind during our analysis.
Furthermore, this application likely gathers private information. Data of interest may include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related information, etc. The collected data can then be monetized through sale to third-parties (potentially, cyber criminals).
To summarize, the presence of advertising-supported software like TechTalent on devices can lead to system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and even identity theft.
Name | Ads by TechTalent |
Threat Type | Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus |
Detection Names | Avast (MacOS:Adload-CC [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Adware.MAC.Generic.27805), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.F), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.h), Full List (VirusTotal) |
Additional Information | This application belongs to Adload malware family. |
Symptoms | Your Mac becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites. |
Distribution methods | Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), torrent file downloads. |
Damage | Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites, loss of private information. |
Malware Removal (Mac) | To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your Mac with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner. |
Adware examples
IntelligenceLabs, PathwaySpan, CargoVictory, and MovementEvolution are merely a few examples of adware-type apps we have analyzed recently.
This software typically appears legitimate and offers various functionalities. However, it rarely operates as promised, and in most cases – the features do not work at all. It must be stressed that even if a piece of software operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not proof of either legitimacy or safety.
How did TechTalent install on my computer?
Adware can be bundled with (packed alongside) regular programs. The risk of inadvertently allowing bundled content into the system is increased by downloading from dubious channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and rushing through installation processes (e.g., ignoring terms, skipping steps/sections, using "Easy/Express" settings, etc.).
Adware can also have "official" promotional webpages, and it is commonly endorsed on scam sites. Users typically access such pages via redirects generated by websites employing rogue advertising networks, misspelled URLs, spam browser notifications, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening capabilities).
Intrusive advertisements proliferate advertising-supported software as well. When clicked on, some of these adverts can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user consent.
How to avoid installation of adware?
We highly recommend researching software and downloading only from official/verified sources. Installation must be treated with caution, e.g., by reading terms, studying available options, using the "Custom" or "Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, features, tools, etc.
Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fake and malicious online content usually appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive advertisements may look innocuous – yet they redirect to unreliable/questionable websites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, pornography, adult dating, etc.).
In case of continuous encounters with such ads/redirects, check the system and immediately remove all suspicious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with TechTalent, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.
Pop-up window displayed once TechTalent adware's installation is over:
TechTalent adware's installation folder:
Instant automatic Mac malware removal:
Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of Mac malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner for Mac
By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.
Quick menu:
- What is TechTalent?
- STEP 1. Remove TechTalent related files and folders from OSX.
- STEP 2. Remove TechTalent ads from Safari.
- STEP 3. Remove TechTalent adware from Google Chrome.
- STEP 4. Remove TechTalent ads from Mozilla Firefox.
Video showing how to remove TechTalent adware using Combo Cleaner:
TechTalent adware removal:
Remove TechTalent-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:
Click the Finder icon. In the Finder window, select "Applications". In the applications folder, look for "MPlayerX","NicePlayer", or other suspicious applications and drag them to the Trash.
After removing the potentially unwanted application(s) that cause online ads, scan your Mac for any remaining unwanted components.
Remove adware-related files and folders
Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...
Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/
In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the exact same string.
Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/
In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.
Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:
In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/
In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the exact same string.
Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:
In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/
In the "LaunchDaemons" folder, look for recently-added suspicious files. For example "com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist", "com.myppes.net-preferences.plist", "com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist", "com.avickUpd.plist", etc., and move them to the Trash.
Scan your Mac with Combo Cleaner:
If you have followed all the steps correctly, your Mac should be clean of infections. To ensure your system is not infected, run a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus. Download it HERE. After downloading the file, double click combocleaner.dmg installer. In the opened window, drag and drop the Combo Cleaner icon on top of the Applications icon. Now open your launchpad and click on the Combo Cleaner icon. Wait until Combo Cleaner updates its virus definition database and click the "Start Combo Scan" button.
Combo Cleaner will scan your Mac for malware infections. If the antivirus scan displays "no threats found" - this means that you can continue with the removal guide; otherwise, it's recommended to remove any found infections before continuing.
After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.
Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers
Remove malicious Safari extensions:
Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".
In the preferences window, select "Extensions" and look for any recently-installed suspicious extensions. When located, click the "Uninstall" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Safari browser - none are crucial for regular browser operation.
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.
Remove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
Click the Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More Tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.
Remove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:
Click the Firefox menu (at the top right corner of the main window) and select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".
- If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What harm can adware cause?
Adware may decrease browsing quality and system performance. It displays advertisements that promote deceptive/malicious content capable of causing serious issues (e.g., system infections, financial losses, etc.). Furthermore, adware typically has data-tracking functionalities – hence, it is categorized as a privacy threat.
What does adware do?
Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It is designed to display ads on visited webpages and/or other interfaces. Additionally, this software may be capable of force-opening websites and/or collecting private data.
How do adware developers generate revenue?
Adware developers generate revenue primarily through affiliate programs by endorsing various sites, applications, browser extensions, products, services, and other content.
Will Combo Cleaner remove TechTalent adware?
Yes, Combo Cleaner can scan devices and eliminate installed adware-type apps. It must be mentioned that manual removal (unaided by security software) might not be ideal. In some cases, even after the adware has been manually removed – various file leftovers stay hidden within the system. Furthermore, the remaining components can continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, it is paramount to eliminate advertising-supported software thoroughly.
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